Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4197, Abraham Forgason, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Ferguson, Abraham or Ferguson Ferguson
W 4197
CONTENTS
Policy

20.838  New - York  Abraham Sargason of Newfield in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp commanded by Captain Dill - of the Regt commanded by Col. Livingston in the New York line for 6 Months & 22 days - "
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 29 Dollars 08 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Oct 1833 and in the City of New York Newfield
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $72.70 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep 34 14.54 $87.24
Revolutionary Claim, Expt June 7, 1832. J. C. [unclear] Clerk.
Recorded by Book E Vol. 1 Page 100.

3356
Ohio. Pittsburgh
Polly Ferguson*
widow of Abraham . NY. Ferguson* who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
* Ferguson or Forgasen W.W.H. Feb 1848
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 22 Dollars 44.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Jan 1849 and sent to
O. W. Fitch Ashtabula Ohio
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 341 Vol. 1
Reported Jan 25/49

State of New York County of Herkimer ss.
1833 On this 12 th day of January February in the Year 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer aforesaid the same being a Court of record having by Law a Clerk and Seal now sitting at the term of October February Court in the Year aforesaid Abraham Fergusson a resident of the Town of West Brunswick in the County of Herkimer aforesaid in said State aged seventy seven Years and upwards as who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832; That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as hereinafter stated:—
In the Year 1776 he this deponent resided in the Town of Beekman in the County of Dutchess and State of New York and in the month of July as he believes but he does not remember the day in the Year 1776 he enlisted as a volunteer at Beekman aforesaid into Capt. Israel Veille's Company in Col. Swartwout's Regiment in the State service for five months and after being mustered at Beekman aforesaid he was marched under the Command of Capt. Veille to Kingsbridge near Portland Hill Barracks where he with his Company joined Col. Swartwout's Regiment and was stationed there until the Battle of White Plains and then he was marched with his Company under the Command

of the apt: Veille to White Plains and from thence (after the British return on board of their vessels in the north river) he was marched with his Company under the Command of the apt: Veille to Peekskill and staid there sometime and from thence he was marched with the apt: Veille's Company to Fort Constitution on the East side of the North river and staid there until his time had expired and then he was discharged in December about the time of Holidays in 1776 but he took no discharge in writing - The officers under whom he served were Capt Veille, Lieut. Charles Rott Col: Swartwout, Maj: Van Benschotten and Dr Head was Surgeon of the Regiment - And he the deponent served five months as above stated.
In the month of January but he does not remember the day, in the Year 1777 he this Deponent enlisted as a volunteer at Pekkian in the County of Dutchess aforesaid where he then resided into Capt: Veille's Company in Col: Swartwout's Regiment in the State service for six weeks and was marched under the Command of Capt: Veille to East Chester and was stationed with the Company under the Command of Capt: Veille at Gen: Ward  Ward house in East Chester aforesaid to guard the Lines and he served at said station under the Command of Capt Veille until his time expired and he served as above stated under Capt Veille six weeks and then was discharged as he believes sometime in February 1777 but took no discharge in writing - And he served under the following named officers Viz: Capt Veille Lieut John Van Devorst Col: Swart- -wout.

And this deponent further saith that in the Month of January 1780 the sleighs and span horses of this deponent's father whose name was John Forgeson, were impressed at Beekman in the County of Dutchess aforesaid by a forage master, whose name was Adams as he this deponent believes but he is not certain for the purpose of conveying provisions from Peks Kill to Fish Kill for the use of the Army and also for drawing timber out of the woods to Fish Kill Barracks for making sleighs and also for drawing wood to Fish Kill Barracks for the use of the Army; and he this deponent enlisted as a volunteer at Beekman aforesaid to take charge of said team and that he this deponent drove said team and was employed under the command and direction of the said forage master in conveying provisions and some rum from Peks Kill to Fish Kill aforesaid for the use of the Army who were then in winter quarters at Fish Kill and also in drawing timber for making sleighs and also in drawing wood for the use of said Army and as near as he the said deponent can recollect he served as above stated under said forage master aforesaid And this deponent did not enter said service under any contract for pay nor does not remember that he received any pay for his services and he believes he did not have any pay for the same but he volunteered and served as above stated and he was discharged at Fish Kill aforesaid sometime in January 1780 - He served under the forage master Adams as he believes his name was - And this deponent served at different times as above stated a period of seven months & two weeks -

 1 And this deponent further saith that he was born at Beckman in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York on the 14 th day of December 1757-  2 He has no record of his age, but his father kept a record of his age in his bible which was the last he knew in the hands of Francis Forgason who now resides in the western part of the State of New York but he does not know the place of his residence.  3 He was living when called into the service as above stated at Beckman in the County of Dutchess aforesaid and since the Revolutionary War at Beck he lived at Beckman aforesaid nearly twenty years & from the village there to Broad Albin in Montgomery County in the State of New York and resided there about fifteen years as he believes and from there he moved to Conway now the Town of West Branswick in the County of Sullivan of Dutchess in the State of New York and has resided where he now resides more than ten years last past.  4 He this deponent further states that the names of the persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood are David Tharp and John D. Hemstreet and who can testify to this deponent's character for truth and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution and also Gilbert Forgason and Ephraim Philip  Living in the same place who can testify to the same. 

And this deponent further states that he knows of no person living whose testimony he can procure to prove his revolutionary service except that his brother Abraham Forgasow of West Burns with aforesaid who did not serve with this deponent but he knew he this deponent was gone from home into the Revolutionary Service as he this deponent has above stated in his first month's service and his six weeks service -
5. He does not remember that any regular officers served with the Troops where he served except that there were regular officers at White Plains when he marched there after the Battle but he does not recollect their names -
6. He never received any discharge in writing from the service -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any state - Sworn to and subscribed his Abraham F. Forgasow this 12 th day of October in open Court February 1833 in open Court
Julius C. Nelson Clerk

McEphraim a Chippewa residing in the Town of West East Brunswick in the County of Herkimer in the State of New York and Gilbert Ferguson of the Town of West Brunswick in said County of Herkimer  same place hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Ferguson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him several  for years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a revolutionary soldier and of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion - sworn to and subscribed Ephraim McE this 12 th day of February  October Gilbert Ferguson 1833 before in open
Court - Julius C. Nelson Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolu- tionary soldier and served as he states - And the Court further Certify that it appears to them that David Thorp who has signed the Certificate hereto annexed is a resident of the Town of West Brunswick in the County of Herkimer State of New York and John G. Hamstreet who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town of West Brunswick in said County of Herkimer and are highly credible persons and their statement is entitled to full credit & belief & the said Court further Certify that they are of opinion that they cannot

be produced in Court without too much inconvenience and expense to said applicant - And the said Court further Certify that it also appears to them that Gilbert Forgason who has signed the preceding Certificate is a resident of the said Town of West Brunswick in the County of Herkimer aforesaid and Ephraim Clark  a clergyman and who has also signed the same is a resident in the said Town of West Brunswick  and said Gilbert Forgason & Ephraim Clark in said County, are also credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full Credit & belief -
Clerks affirm County of Herkimer ss: I Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer in the State of New York the said Court being a Court of Record having my Seal a Clerk & Seal do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Forgason for a pension - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at the office of Clerk of said Court this day of October 1832 twelfth day of February 1833 Julius C. Nelson Clerk

Declaration of Polly Ferguson.
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal declaration.]
17

State of New York } City of Albany } On this First day of November
One thousand Eight hundred & thirty eight personally appeared in open Court before the Justice Court of the City of Albany, being a Court of Record Polly Ferguson a resident of the Town of Watervliet, County of Albany, State of New York, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act provision made by the Act of Congress passed 7th July 1838. entitled "An Act granting half pay as pensions to certain widows"
That this Declarant is Eighty One years of age according to her best knowledge and belief. - That she is the widow of Abraham Ferguson now deceased, who resided at the time of his decease at the town of Watervliet, in said County of Albany, who had been a Soldier in actual

Service in the Revolutionary war and who was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States for and on account of his said Service. That the Defendant was married to the said Abraham Ferguson, and was so married to said Abraham Ferguson in the year One thousand Seven hundred & twenty nine, according to the best knowledge belief and at the Town of Durham County of Dutchess & State of New York by a Clergyman by the name of Crisp, whom Christian name the Defendant does not recollect. That the Defendant has never kept nor has any record of her marriage, it can only state the date thereof from her recollection & belief. Nor has she any knowledge of any record of her said marriage ever having been kept or being in existence.
That her said husband Abraham Ferguson died on the fourth day of July last past at the Town of Watervliet aforesaid. That her said husband remained & was in active Service in the Revolutionary

For about Six months after her said marriage That the Declarant has remained a widow & unmarried since the death of her said husband Abraham Ferguson.
That the Declarant the said husband removed from the County of Dutchess into the County of Montgomery about forty years ago. - that she subsequently resided in Schoharie County. Then in Saratoga County from thence about five years ago removed into the Town of Waterford. -
Polly X Ferguson mark
I John G. Wapson Clerk of the Sullivan County of the City of Albany the same being a Court of Records do certify that on the day above named the said Polly Ferguson appeared before the said Court and being duly sworn made oath to the truth of the Statements set forth in the foregoing Declaration. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said Court this 1 st day of November 1838.
John G. Wapson Clerk

State of New York
Herkimer County ss.
On the 24th day of September A.D. 1838 before me Richard J. Hunsdick a commissioner of records of said county came Abel Emery of the town of Ohio in said county who being duly sworn says that he is nearly seventy years of age that he resided in his boyhood until he
State of New-York.
HEREIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I hereby certify, That Melchior J Hunsdick whose signature appears to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed Conveyance was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Commissioner of records
in and for said county, dwelling in said county, and duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 20th day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Erwin A Munson Deputy Clerk.
Journal Office, Herkimer.
Com. of records re
State of New York
Herkimer County ss.
On the first day of October 1838 before me Richard J. Hunsdick a commissioner of records of said county came Silas Ferguson of the town of Ohio in said county who being duly sworn says that he is forty years of age that he resided in his boyhood & until he arrived at manhoods in Butternuts County of (Duchess) that this deponent is the brother-in-law of Polly the widow of Abram Ferguson deceased and brother to the said Abram that the said Abram was a business resided at the time of his decease in Albany County previously in Herkimer County that the said Polly was lawfully married to the said Abram in the year 1777 in said town of Butternuts Duchess County
Gilbert D. Ferguson
Richard J. Hunsdick
Com. of records

State of New York
Ulster County ss.
On the 24th day of September A.D. 1838 before me Richard J. Wemstreet a commissioner of deeds of said county came Robert Emery of the town of Ohio in said county who being duly sworn says that he is nearly seventy eight years of age that he resided in his boyhood & until he arrived at manhood in Dutchess county that this deponent is the brother of Polly the widow of Abram Ferguson that the said Abram was a pensioner & resided at the time of his decease in Albany County previously in Ulster County that the said Polly was lawfully married to the said Abram Ferguson in said town of Beckman Dutchess County
Robert his Emery
Richard J. Wemstreet
Com. of Deeds
State of New York
Ulster County ss.
On the first day of October 1838 before me Richard J. Wemstreet a commissioner of deeds of said County came Gilbert Ferguson of the town of Ohio in said County who being duly sworn says that he is twenty six years of age that he resided in his boyhood & until he arrived at manhood in Dutchess County that this deponent is the brother in law of Polly the widow of Abram Ferguson deceased and brother to the said Abram that the said Abram was a pensioner resided at the time of his decease in Albany County previously in Ulster County that the said Polly was lawfully married to the said Abram in the year 1779 in said town of Beckman Dutchess County
Gilbert Ferguson
Richard J. Wemstreet
Com. of Deeds

Abraham Forgason New York N o 23273
e
Admitted Private 6mo & 22 days
26 66 2 42 29 08 58 16 14 54 72 70
H. Norton esq. Fairfield, Herkinn co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Abraham Forgasaw
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 enlist 5 Pri. Capt. J. Veille Col. Swart wont 77 years   Jan. 1777 enlisted 1 12 " " Maj. Van Benschotten Beekman Dutchess Co. N. Y. Traditional Witnesses   1779 according to belief he served a fortnight this time " " Col. Birdall   Jan. 1780 enlisted as well as he can recollect served a fortnight under a forage master during winter  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

in reply to your request of _____, received for a statement of the military history of Abraham Forgasen a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. Wid. File 4197
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 76 5 mos Pvt Israel Vail Leventritt N.Y.   Jan 77 6 wks " " "   Summer 79 10 days " " Birdsell   Jan 80 2 wks Private under George Washington  
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Beekman N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Feb. 12, 1833  Her claim allowed
Residence at date of application, West Brunswick, Herk Co N.Y.
Age at date of application, 61  Buckman Dutchess Co. N.Y. Dec. 14. 1757. d. July 4. 1838
Remarks: Solomon son of John Forgasen  Res. 79. Beekman N.Y. - Polly Emery
She was allowed pension as Polly Ferguson on an bp. etc.  Nov. 1. 1838 while 81 years old and a resident of Watervliet Albany Co. N.Y.  where she was living in 1843 with her son-in-law Laban Wells  name of his wife not stated  Very respectfully, children referred to.
27225b3m1-07
In this claim sol. and wid both signed by mark  he was pensioned Forgasen she pensioned Ferguson  Commissioner.

Heist to Mrs. on. au V. 24
Rey  WIDOW, &c.
1907 Nov. 12 A. L. Johnne 1908 Feb 10 Flat 5 Mrs. J. J. Williams Letter in W. 7735
File No: 4197 Polly Forgasom Wid. Abraham Forgasom Brit. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 18/08
Index: —Vol. 6 , Page 233
[Arrangement of 1870.]
* W. N. Y. Feb. 18, 1908

Payments to be made at New York by Messrs A. T. & M. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book C Vol. 11, Page 100 by J. C. Miller Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Wraham Sorgason of the State of New York who was a private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Twenty - nine dollars and Eight cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 9 day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
John B. M c Leod Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

4003 Notarization of Polly Ferguson widow of Abraham Ferguson - N.Y. Act. 7 July, 1838.
Married 1779 Husband died 4 July. 1838
Admitted
6 mo
22 days
m. 6:22 days
$22.44 per an.
Wottingham & Lansing Albany N. York.

In the matter of the Application for Pension by Polly Ferguson widow of Abraham Ferguson —
Affidavit &c.
(Filed 3 rd July 1838.)
Hon. M c Ely H 2

State of New York Herkimer County
on this 1 st day of April 1840 before me William Coppemoll commissioner of said court Gilbert Forgason and Robert Emery of the Town of Ohio in the County of Herkimer and who being duly sworn say that Mr Gilbert Forgason is now seventy seven years of age and that Abraham Forgason who was a pensioner and is since deceased was the Brother of this deponent and Mr Robert Emery is now seventy eight years of age that Polly Emery the wife of Mr Abraham Forgason is the sister of Mr Robert Emery that these deponents well recollect the marriage of Mr Abraham Forgason with Polly Emery and who is now the widow of Mr Abraham Forgason now surviving that this Abraham Forgason was married to said Polly Emery about the year 1779 as near as these deponents can now recollect but at which time these deponents believe said marriage took place and that even since that time Mr Polly has resided with Mr Abraham Forgason until the time of his death that they were married by a Minister of the Gospel by the name of base (Christian name forgotten) the above is far as these deponents can now recollect
In presence of Wm Coppemoll
Gilbert Forgason
his Robert X Emery mark
William Coppemoll Commissioner of Deeds
State of New York Herkimer County ss
I certify that William Coppemoll Esq before whom the above affidavits of Gilbert Forgason and Robert Emery purport to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Deeds &c in & for said County duly commissioned and qualified. And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting & truly believe that the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said County May Eleventh 1840
E. A. Harrison Deputy for John Lyngat Clerk

4003 Dec 20 My July 38.
Rev. J. V. G. Church P.O. Box 100 Washington

4003 My Dec 20
July 38.
Dear Mr. J. L. Edwards. Editor of Gunton's Washington

Albany, Dec. 14 th 1838.
Wm L. Edwards. Esq r
The enclosed Declaration of Polly Ferguson widow of Abraham Edwards are transmitted by us as the Attorneys of the Testament.
Your Ob t Serv t
Brothman & Lansing

Mr John D Hearnstreet & David Tharp residing in the town of West Brunswick County of Herkimer & State of New York do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abram Fagan who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy four years of age that he is now and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion We further certify that Rev Lino Clugyman residing in said town
Sworn and subscribed this day of  year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two 6 th Day of October 1832 } John D Hearnstreet David Tharp before me Geo Alophornoll Justice of the Peace

State of New York County of Dutchess Co. Gilbert Forgason of the Town of West Breumswick in the said County aged seventy two years and upwards being first duly sworn according to Law do then his oath depose and say that he is well acquainted with Abraham Forgason a brother of this deponent and this deponent further saith that he knows of the said Abraham Forgason serving in the war of the Revolution as follows viz:
In the Year 1776 he this deponent and the said Abraham Forgason resided in the Town of Pectkman in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York and he this deponent further saith that in the Summer and in Autumn in July 1776 he the said Abraham Forgason enlisted as a volunteer at Pectkman aforesaid into Capt. Veill's Company as he understood in Col. Swarthout's Regiment in the State Service for five months and this deponent recollcts that the said Abraham Forgason left home and went into the Revolutionary service and as he understood him the said Abraham Forgason on his return home that he went to White Plains and that he was next at Peekskill and that he then went to Fort Constitution and stayed there until he was discharged and this deponent recollcts that in the said Abraham Forgason came home about Holydays in 1776.
And this deponent further saith that about January 1777 the said Abraham Forgason enlisted as a volunteer at Pectkman aforesaid into Capt. Veill's Company in the State Service for six weeks and that he went from home into the service and was gone from home

according to the recollection and belief of this deponent about six weeks and he returned home sometime in the latter part of February 1777 and he told this deponent on his return home that he had been stationed at Genl. Ward's house in East Chester to guard the Lines and that he served under the command of Captl. Veille in Col: Swartwout's Regiment and this deponent further saith that he always uniformly understood the said Abraham Forgasen that he had served in the war of the revolution as above stated and also that he this deponent has heard the declaration of the said Abraham Forgasen known to him and acknowledged and sworn to by him and that he this deponent has always understood him that he served as therein stated and he never heard it disputed but that he served in the war of the Revolution at the times and at the places by him stated in his said declaration —
Gilbert Forgasen
Subscribed before me this 12 th day of February 1833 in open Court
Julius C. Nelson Clerk

State of New York. County of Albany p.
On this 7 th
day of
February One thousand eight hundred and forty four before me Matthew Fort Justice of the Peace of said County personally appeared Polly Ferguson, a resident of the town of Watervliet in said County of Albany aged Eighty five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Abraham Ferguson who was a private in the War of the Revolution, and the Annual Amount of the Pension she received, under the Act of July 7. 1838. was twenty two \frac{44}{100} Dollars per Annum
She further declares that she is still a widow sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written, before me, to whom the said Polly Ferguson is personally known Matthew Fort Justice of the Peace
her Polly F Ferguson mark
The reason that she did not write her name she never learnt to write

State of New York
City & County Clerk's Office. I William H. Chaplin Clerk of the said City and County do hereby certify that Matthew Post whose name is subscribed to the aforesaid - the within - aforesaid, was at the time of the taking said affidavit a Minister of the Gospel in the city of Albany, & duly authorized to take the same. And that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Matthew Post and do hereby certify that the signature to the said aforesaid is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal the Twenty Sixth day of April 1844.
William H. Chaplin
5776 Subscribed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ under Act 23 March 1844.

577 1/2 Polly Ferguson! under Act 3, March 1843,
William West Park

P. G.
29 ... 1871
Ohio River
1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 d February 1848 entitled "An act making further provision for surviving widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County ss. On this First day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before me Amos F. Hubbard, a justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Polly Ferguson a resident of the township of Ashtabula, in the County of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, aged eighty nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, with on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Abraham Ferguson, who was a private in an infantry Company in the army of the Revolution in the regular service (the number of the Regiment and the name of the Colonel not now recollected) and who was a Revolutionary pensioner. That she drew a pension of twenty two dollars and forty four cents per annum, under the act of Congress of the 17 th of June 1844.
She further declares that she has not intermarried, and that she is still a widow. That previous to her removal to Ashtabula aforesaid she resided in Watervliet, Albany County, in the State of New York. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
Polly Ferguson Mark
Amos F. Hubbard Justice of the Peace
State of Ohio
Ashtabula County ss. I Amos F. Hubbard a justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to administer oaths, do hereby certify that the above named affiant Polly Ferguson, is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual, who drew a pension under the act of Congress of 17 th June 1844, as stated by her in the above declaration.
Amos F. Hubbard
Justice of the Peace

In the matter of the application of Abraham Forster for a pension under the Ariz. & N. Mex. pension act of 1873.
154
Declaration of proofs
23273
not used
Make returns to H. C. Walton, Fairfield Ark. Co. N.Y.

Albany
Abraham Forgasin act June 7. 1832 to what time paid?
p d F 4 March 1838 2A
W L
4 July 1838

Ho. of Reps. Feb. 24. - 1843.
Sir, I take the liberty of enclosing to you herewith, a letter from Miss Frothingham & Fanning, asking for information in relation to a Pension Application, and I beg leave to ask an answer to the enquiry from the General Office. I will be obliged to you to return me the letter of Frothingham & Fanning -
I have the honor to be
Your att. Servt.
J. P. Gannard
James L. Edwards, Esq. - Comf. of Pensions

No. of R. July 25. th 1842.
Sir, I send you, herewith, a letter on the subject of Polly Ferguson's Application for a Pension; & I beg leave to ask if a decision has been made in the case; if not, I shall be obliged if you will inform me what difficulty stands in the way of a favorable decision.
I will you to return the letter of Mr. Nottingham to me.
With great respect,
Your ob t Serv t
J. P. Barnard
J. L. Edwards Esq. - Com te of Pensions.

Mar 10, 1843.
My Dear Sister Polly
A. G. Edwards
Minister of Union Washington. D. C.

Albany. March 6 th 1843.
J. G. Edwards Esq. Gov. of Pensylvania.
We herewith furnish proof by affidavit that Polly Ferguson, the widow of Abraham Ferguson, and who is an applicant for a Pension under the Act of 1838, is still living.
This fact, we suppose, being ascertained, she is entitled, in accordance with your letter to Hon. S. S. Barnard, to be restored to her Pension.
In extreme age, informality & destitution of the Supplement it is hoped, entitle her to an early disposition of her case.
We have the Honor to be.
Your very humble Servt.
J. Frothingham & Lansing

Amos F Hubbard Amos F Hubbard A F Hubbard
The State of Ohio.
Ashtabula County, ss.
I, A C Nuttall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County & State aforesaid, hereby certify that Amos F Hubbard is a justice of the peace within and for said County of Ashtabula, duly commissioned and qualified agreeably to the laws of the State of Ohio; That his commission is dated May 22 d , A D 1847, and will expire May 21 st , A D 1850, and that the signature above written purporting to be his is genuine.
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court at Jefferson the 30 th day of November A D 1848.
A C Nuttall Clerk

Oct. 16. 39
N.Y.
add: prof
Polly Seguin
J. J. Church Esq. Municipal Bureau Washington

Oct. 16. 39
N. Y.
22. Spring
Prof. H. James
J. J. Edwards Esq. Chairman of Pension Washington

Oct. 16. 39
N.Y.
add: proc
Polly Layton
J. J. Church Esq. Municipal Bureau Washington

Albany, Sept 24 th 1839.
N. J. Edwards Esq. Coun r of Counsel
Sir,
Enclosed are additional affid ts , on the application of Polly Ferguson, widow of Abraham Ferguson. We are unable to procure for her any second proof of marriage. They leave to refer to the deposition of Mrs Ferguson on that subject & of the accompanying deposition of the actual marriage, which together with the affidavit of Mr Indicker, enclosed it is hoped will be deemed to afford satisfactory evidence of the marriage.
Very respectfully Yours &c. L. S. Gretchen H. Lansing

5776 April 30 1844
NY Poly Ferguson 3 March 1843
7198
P. Ferguson
$22:44 per am
John G. Stevens Mrs. J. Stevens Washington, D.C. Frothingham & Lansing
Albany N.Y.

5776 April 30 1844
P. Ferguson
$22:44 per am
NY Poly Ferguson 3 March 1843
A. G. Edwards Error of Pensions Washington, D.C. Frothingham & Lansing
Albany N.Y.

Albany, April 28, 1844
Sir
We have the honor to forward you, the Declaration of Polly Ferguson, for a Pension under the Act of 3 March 1843. It is believed to be in due form. The amount to which she is entitled is but a trifle.
Yours very respectfully
Frothingham & Lansing
Hon J. L. Edwards Comt of Pensions.

Atkins O. Dec 2. 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Enclosed herewith I send the Declarations of Mary Ferguson & Mary Hill with the required certificates, in order to obtain a continuance of their pensions under the law of Congress passed last Winter. You will please enclose their cer- tificates when issued to me at this place.
Yours Respectfully C. H. Fitch

In the matter of the Affidavit of Polly Ferguson for a Runaway.

State of New York County of Rensselaer ss. On this twenty- fifth day of June. One thousand eight hundred thirty nine before me Henry W. Strong Recorder of the City of Troy came Israel Medekes of the City of Troy in said County, who being duly sworn says that he is twenty eight years of age, according to his best knowledge & belief, that this Deponent was well acquainted with Abra- ham Ferguson, who was reported & believed by this Deponent to have been a Pensioner and who, that this Deponent is informed & believes is now deceased. That this Dep- onent has known said Ferguson, for more than fifty years, and has continued an occasional intercourse with him during said period - the said Ferguson having frequently called to see this Deponent in Troy as an old acquaintance - Deponent well recollects the time of the marriage of said Abraham Ferguson, which took place in Pownal town, Dutchess County Deponent does not recollect the precise date or year of the marriage, but thinks this Deponent was about eighteen or nineteen years of age at the time - Deponent does not recollect that he was present at the precise moment of the marriage ceremony, but was present at the marriage or wedding party, immediately after the marriage - Deponent's brother Abiah, who resided in Ohio when last heard from was groomsman at said marriage. Deponent thinks the maiden name of the wife of said Ferguson, was Emery - Deponent

does not, recollect to have seen her since the said marriage, but this deponent has never heard or learned from the said Ferguson or otherwise, of any other marriage of said Ferguson, than the one above referred to, or heard or learned of the death of the woman, to whom said Ferguson was married at the time aforesaid.
Isaac Snedeker
Sworn before me this 25 th day of June 1839: and I further certify that the de- ponent Isaac Snedeker is well known to me and is a credible witness
H. H. Strong Record of Troy
STATE OF NEW-YORK, Rensselaer County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, LELAND CRANDALL , Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby Cer- tify, That Henry H Strong Esq whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, one of the  Record of the City of Troy in the County of Rensselaer, dwelling in said city county, duly authorised to take such proof or acknowledgment. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Record and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 25 th day of June A. D. 18 39
Leland Crandall Clerk.

State of New York County of Albany ss. Philip Linnbacher of the town of Watervliet County of State of New York being duly sworn says that the deponent is sixty three years old & forward according to his best knowledge & belief. That the deponent is well acquainted with Polly Ferguson the widow of Abraham Ferguson who was at the time of his death reported & believed by this deponent, to have been a resident of the United States. & who died during the summer last past. That this deponent has known the said Polly Ferguson & Abraham Ferguson. Since his deponent was about ten or twelve years of age or about fifty years ago. That this deponent then resided in the town of Pskipwan County of Dutchess & the said Polly & Abraham in the same or adjoining town. That said Polly & Abraham Ferguson at deponent's earliest recollection of them, were living together respectably as man & wife. - He continued to them together in such character. Since said period. He has heard that a numerous family of children. And this deponent has no doubt of the said Polly & Abraham having been lawfully married & the said Polly being the widow of said Abraham Ferguson.
Given 16 th July 1839
before me the said Philip Linnbacher Linnbacher the deponent being known to me to be a credible witness James W. Fowler Ruler of Albany

In matter of Petition of Folly Sugarworks Plumber.
Affidavit.

Albany County p. Ezekiel M Wada of the Town of Watervliet in the County aforesaid, being duly sworn says, That this Deponent knows Polly Ferguson of said town, who is now living in said town. That the said Polly Ferguson is now old and infirm. — That she is the widow of Abraham Ferguson, of Abraham Ferguson late of said Town, who was a Pensioner, at the time of his death, as is reported & believed by this Deponent, and that this Deponent knew the said Abraham Ferguson Sworn before me this 1 st E. M. Wada day of March 1843. Matthew Fort Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Ezekiel M Wada. That he is a credible person Matthew Fort Justice Albany County p. Laban Hills of the Town of Watervliet in said County, being duly sworn says, that he is the Post Master of said Town that this Deponent is the son in law of Polly Ferguson of said town, who is now living — and who is an applicant for a Pension. — that said Polly Ferguson is the widow of Abraham Ferguson, deceased, who was a Pensioner, at the time of his death. Laban Hills L.H.
Sworn before me this 4 th day of March 1843 Matthew Fort Justice of the Peace

Albany County, p. Philip Lennbacher of the Town of Watervliet in the County being duly sworn says, that he knows Polly Ferguson of the Town of Watervliet. That she is now living with her son in law. Laban Wills of said Town. That the said Polly Ferguson is the same Polly Ferguson, who was the wife of Abraham Ferguson, as was reported and believed by this Deponent, - which Abrah- am Ferguson, was also reported and believed by the Deponent to have been a Prisoner, at the time of his death, - That said Polly Ferguson, is old and infirmed - and that I was acquainted with the said Abraham Ferguson, now deceased.
Philip Lennbacher
Sworn before me this 4 th day of March 1843.
Matthew Fort Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with the above- named Philip Lennbacher that he is a credible person
Matthew Fort Justice

State of New York
Albany County ss.
I Henry B. Haswell Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Matthew Fort before whom the foregoing (three) affidavits purport to have been sworn was on the day of the jurats thereto a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Albany. That I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe his signatures to said jurats are genuine
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of the said County this 6th day of March 1843.
H. B. Haswell Clerk

Oct 19. 1840
NY.
add proof
Polly Stevenson,
Howe St
Union
Wash
Washington

Oct 19. 1840
NY.
add proof
Dear Friend, Folly
Dear A. L. Edwards Junior Officer War Department Washington

Albany Oct 16 th 1840.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq.
We have procured forward further Affidavits on the application of Mrs Polly Ferguson, widow of Abraham Ferguson. In a previous. We hope the proof contained in them of the time of marriage will be satisfactory tho' they can under the Act of 1835. It is however of more importance that they can be decided on them under which Act it is brought. Her advanced age & dependent condition renders an early decision very desirable
Very respectfully I am Obl Servt.
Brotherton & Lansing

V 4003 Polly Ferguson - N.Y.
Let. to Messrs. Frothingham and Lansing, May 28, 1839.
to same 18. Nov. 1839
to Hon. P. J. Wagner 19. June 1840
to Frothingham & Lansing 19. Nov. 1840
Hon. D. D. Barnard July 27. '42
Same July 25 1843.
July '38

5431
Rep?
Albany, New York
Polly Ferguson
widow of Abraham Ferguson
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 22 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of May 1844 and sent to Frottingham & Lansing Albany, New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 1. Vol. 1, Page 259.

New-York - 7148
Polly Ferguson widow of Abraham Ferguson
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32. and who died on the 4th: July 1838 - of Albany - in the State of New-York who was a private - in the coy - commanded by Captain Ville _____ of the commanded by Col: Swartout - in the New-York - line for 6 months, 22 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany - at the rate of - 22 - Dollars 44 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th: - day of April 1843 and sent to F. Lansing Albany, N. Yk -
Arrears to the 4th of _____ Semi-annual allowance ending
$112.20
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tall Stearns - Clerk, Book 4 - Vol. 2 Page 77 -

Application of Polly Ferguson for Pension
Affidavits.

State of New York } Herkimer County }
On the fifth day of Oct 1840 personally came before me William Ferguson of the Town of Rhine S. County being first duly sworn deposes and says that this deponent is now seventy eight years of age that he formerly resided in the Town of Berkman in the County of Dutchess and resided there during the Revolutionary War that Abraham Ferguson now deceased was a pensioner for his services in the Revolutionary War at the time of his decease and was the Brother of this deponent that Polly Ferguson the widow of the said Abraham Ferguson now living as this deponent is informed and believes in the Town of Water Street in the County of Albany that the said Abraham Ferguson was married to the said Polly Ferguson whose maiden name was Polly Emery before the close of the Revolutionary War in the year 1779 and as this deponent now believes in the month of Oct 1779 that the aforesaid Abraham Ferguson was in actual service in the war of the Revolution after his marriage to the said Polly Ferguson now his widow that the Marriage took place in the Town of Berkman County of Dutchess Sworn and subscribed before Gilbert Ferguson William Cafferwell Commissioner
Robert Emery after hearing the above affidavit read says the substance of said affidavit is true he being the Brother of the said Polly above named Robert Emery
The reason of Robert Emery making this is that he has never thought to write
Sworn before me this fifth day of Oct 1840 before me William Cafferwell, Comr. of Dutchess

State of New York § Herkimer County § p:
I certify that William Coppinall whose signature appears to the within affidavits before whom they were sworn was on the day of the attestation of a Commission of Dros in and for said County duly Commissioned & qualified and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe that the signatures to the said within affidavits purporting to be his are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said County at Herkimer Oct 7th 1840.
E. A. Mearson Deputy for John Deygert Clerk

In the matter of Abraham D. Dugdale for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
Declaration & amendatory aff ts
Abraham Dugdale Fairfield Hudson Co. N.Y.

In the summer and he this deponent believes near Harvest time in the year 1779 he was there was an alarm at Beekman in the County of Dutchess aforesaid and the Militia were called out and he the said deponent was called out with the rest of the Company under the Command of Capt. Veille and he was marched with the Company under the Command of Capt. Veille to Fish Kill and there he entered with Capt. Veille's Company into Col: Birdsall's Regiment in the State Service and from thence he was marched in Capt. Veille's Company with Col: Birdsall's Regiment to a post on the Highlands between Fish Kill and Pect's Kill four or five miles from the north river and he was stationed there under the Command of Capt. Veille and the said deponent says that the militia were called out on an alarm that the British were coming up the north river, but they did not make their appearance and he this deponent served at said station under the Command of Capt. Veille a fortnight according to his recollection & belief and then he was discharged sometime after harvest time as he believes in 1779 but took no discharge in writing: The officers under whom he served were Capt. Birdsall, Col. Veille, Col. Birdsall. Lieut. Adjutant Jeremiah Clark.

State of New York County of Herkimer p: Abraham Forgasen of the Town of West Brunswick in said County being duly sworn according to Saith that he made a declaration at the Town of February in the Year 1833 before the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County the same being a Court of Record for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 and thereafter herein said that as stated in his said declaration which is hereto annexed he enlisted in the month of July 1776 into Capt. Veille's Company in Col. Swiftwood's Regiment in the State Service for five months & this deponent served in the manner therein stated five months & was then discharged about Hollidays in December 1776 but received no discharge in writing; And this de- ponent further saith that in January 1777 he this deponent enlisted as stated in said declaration into Capt. Veille's Company in Col. Swiftwood's Regiment for six weeks in the State Service and this deponent served in the manner stated in said declaration six weeks & was then discharged but received no discharge in writing and this deponent saith that for the purpose of specifying with precision the length of time he served 1776 as mentioned in said declaration he appears before Herkimer & to wit a justice of the Peace in & for said County & makes the following affidavit that is to say: Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace in & for said County of Herkimer Abraham Forgasen, who being duly sworn deposes and saith that by reason of old age and the con- sequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following

Grades: The this deponent saith that in the Summer as he believes near harvest time in 1779 there was an alarm at Pechman in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York and the militia were called out into the State service and he, this deponent was called out at the same time & place aforesaid with Capt. Veille's Company he was marched with the Company under the Command of Capt. Veille to Fish Kill where he was joined with Capt. Veille's Company to Col. Birdsall's Regiment in the State service and from thence he was marched with Col. Birdsall's Regiment in his said Company to a Post on the Highlands between Fish Kill & Pechkill for over four miles from the North River and he was stationed with said Col. Birdsall's Regiment in his Company under the Command of Capt. Veille at said Post; and this deponent saith that the said alarm was produced by a rumor that the British were ascending the North river with a considerable force but the Enemy did not make their appearance while this deponent continued at said station - and this deponent further saith that for ten days he served as a private in Capt. Veille's Company in Col. Birdsall's Regiment in the State service at the station above specified on the Highlands between Fish Kill & Pechkill four or five miles from the North River and for such service he claims a pension and for the time during which the said service was performed he was not employed in any civil pursuit and this deponent saith that he was then discharged at said station after serving ten days as aforesaid but received no discharge in writing - The officers under whom this deponent

Served near Capt Veille, Col. Birdsall Adjutant Jeremiah Clark Lieut. Francis is not remembered - And this deponent further saith that he is informed & believes that he is not entitled to any pension for his services in 1780 under a forage master in drawing wood and he therefore relinquishes his claim for the same and further this deponent saith not to his subscribed and sworn Abraham  Thompson to this 18 th day of June 1833 before me, Hiram Norton Justice of the Peace of Herkimer County
State of New York
County of Herkimer ss; I Julius C. Nelson Clerk in and for the County of Herkimer as of outside and of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that Hiram Norton before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a justice of the Peace in and for the said County. And that I am acquainted with his handwriting and that I believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit is his proper handwriting and signature - Given under my hand and seal of office this 28 th day of June 1833 -
Julius C. Nelson Clerk